Community Outreach Programs

“Dance came from the people and should always be delivered back to the people.”

-Alvin Ailey, 20th Century Dance Master and Founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Bring the Power of Dance to Your School or Community
Now booking for the 2025–2026 season
In-person and virtual options available

At Ballet 5:8, we believe dance belongs in every stage of life. It builds confidence, connection, and joy—whether you’re a child discovering the arts for the first time or an older adult rediscovering movement in a new way.

Available Programs:

  • School assemblies and lecture-demonstrations

  • Field trips to professional performances

  • In-school workshops and residencies

  • Customized performances for community groups

  • Senior Swans ballet classes for older adults

  • Performances at retirement homes and senior centers

Why Partner with Ballet 5:8?

  • Programs designed for K–12, college, and senior audiences

  • Performed by professional artists committed to education

  • Story-driven, inclusive, and inspiring experiences

  • Flexible formats tailored to your goals and community

Let’s Connect
We’d love to bring dance to your community. Contact us to schedule a performance, class, or event.

25/26 Season Offerings

  • Books and Ballerinas

    Perfect for schools, libraries, and community events—this interactive program blends ballet and storytelling to delight young audiences.

    Live Ballet Excerpt
    A beautiful scene from classical ballet’s rich heritage.

    Storytime with Dancers
    A themed children’s book read aloud by our performers.

    Mini Ballet Class
    Kids get moving with a short, beginner-friendly dance activity.

    Meet the Dancers
    Q&A time to learn about costumes, ballet steps, and the life of a dancer.

    Take-Home Activities
    Handouts with movement games and story-based reflection questions.

    Flexible Options
    Available as a field trip or in-school/library visit starting August 2025. Tailored by age and venue.

    Bring ballet into your story hour—book now to inspire movement and imagination!

    Book Now

  • Beyond the Nutcracker

    Beyond the Nutcracker reimagines the beloved ballet through the lens of WWII-era Europe. Featuring international dances developed with cultural sensitivity, this powerful production brings depth and relevance to a timeless story. It’s an ideal introduction to both classical ballet and 20th-century history.

    Lecture-Demonstration (optional pre-show add-on): A 30-minute in-school presentation introducing students to the world of ballet, pointe shoes, and key characters in the story.

    Talkback/Q&A Session: Following the performance, students can engage directly with professional dancers and artistic staff to deepen their understanding and ask questions about the story, the choreography, and life as a dancer.

    Study Guides: Teachers receive a curated packet with historical context, character breakdowns, discussion questions, and activities aligned with educational standards.

    Student matinees available December 2025

    Book Now

  • The House on Mango Street

    The House on Mango Street Ballet
    Adapted from Sandra Cisneros’ groundbreaking novel, this new work follows a young Latina navigating identity, culture, and community. Performed by Ballet 5:8’s all-female Second Company.

    In school performances available beginning January 2026. Logan Center School Matinees May 2026.

    Transportation stipends available for qualifying schools.

    Adaptado de la reconocida novela de Sandra Cisneros, esta nueva obra sigue la historia de una joven latina que navega cuestiones de identidad, cultura y comunidad. Interpretado por la Segunda Compañía de Ballet 5:8, integrada exclusivamente por mujeres.

    Hay estipendios de transporte disponibles para escuelas que cumplan con los requisitos.

    Book Now

  • Second Act Ballet for Seniors

    Designed specifically for older adults, this gentle, ballet-based class nurtures physical wellness, creativity, and connection—no dance experience required.

    Seated & Standing Movement
    Adaptable exercises that focus on posture, balance, coordination, and grace.

    Classical Music & Rhythmic Play
    Timeless melodies inspire movement, mood, and memory.

    Social Connection
    A warm, encouraging environment that fosters community and self-expression.

    Mind-Body Benefits
    Supports mobility, cognitive focus, and emotional wellbeing.

    Flexible Formats
    We bring the class to you—offered on-site at retirement communities, senior centers, and faith-based organizations.

    Enhance the Experience
    Add a live ballet performance for a memorable cultural event.

    Movement is for every age—bring the beauty of ballet to your senior community.

    Book Now

Interested in a custom collaboration? Ballet 5:8 has a seasoned team of choreographers, artists, and teachers that can bring your vision to life. Connect with us and share your vision for how dance can be a part of your community, and we will help bring your ideas to life.

“Dance is a primal part of civilization and has been central to the expression of joy, fear, loss, and hope throughout human history. In our increasingly digital world dance presents us with a unique opportunity to be grounded in our own bodies, and to communicate through the power of gesture, rhythm, and physical empathy. This historical tradition of gathering to dance is deeply needed in our communities, perhaps more now than ever before."

- Julianna Rubio Slager